24 January 2016

I started my first class on January 12, 2015 and I have 3 more classes to complete my Masters in Communications. I will finish this Summer.

Advance My Career

I feel like I’m getting much more exposure to the tasks which build upon my skills, so consider this a huge advancement. It helps to let your boss know what your expectations are, even if it is to advance into another field. We can’t all stay rooted in the technical trenches forever.

Outline My Memoir

I’ve decided I’m not as interesting as I would need to be in order to produce a successful memoir. Therefore, I’m working on becoming more interesting first. We’ll leave this one alone for now. I hope I don't scare off too many people.

Attend a Writing Retreat

Where the hell did I think I was going to find the time to do this? FAIL.

Attend the Tallahassee Writers Association Conference

Loved it! Had a blast and plan to attend next year as well.

Attend the Florida Writers Association Conference

I couldn't attend because it conflicted with travel and prep work for the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C.

Get Back Into Yoga

Consider this a success because I did get back into Yoga, just didn’t stay consistently going every Sunday. I have other things to do on Sundays. But now that they switched it to Saturdays, I have no more excuses. Oh, wait. School just started back after the holidays!

Take Gourmet Cooking Classes

I didn't realize how much the classes were and I didn't have anyone to go with me on the days I checked on. Then I realized that I could spend the same amount of money experimenting in my own home and I don’t have to waste the gas to drive all the way out to Publix. Did I mention I also found a nice man willing to sample the surprises I concoct? Sweet!

Finish My GeekSsentials Website

I finished the design only. Now I just have to get some content together. Isn’t this the same problem I have had with doing websites for others? I always complained that they never give me any content. Well, look at me now.

Institute Mom's Night Out

It never works out as planned. I think spontaneity is better. Just don't pop in on me while I'm cooking up a surprise. You might walk into a disaster area!

Well now, I'm not going to ask you to embarrass yourself by sharing your failed New Year Goals from 2015. Wait, yes I am.

16 January 2016

So much has been going on
in my life these past few weeks that I haven't had the time to scavenge
my thoughts long enough to write a post. I also have another class which
started last weekend. The class has been an inspiration to me because
it made me reflect on the outcome of a high profile project I had the
privilege to be involved with over the past 3 months. High profile to me
means anything which can potentially get you fired if you fuck it up.

Because
of the success of this project and as a celebration to its closure, I
had sent out a survey to 20 people, professionals I know in various
businesses, and asked them to provide their answers to the following
questions:

What does nobody want to do during a high profile project?
What does everybody want to do during a high profile project?
What types of people want to be involved in a high profile project?
What are some things you've learned when working on a high profile project?

My favorite answers came from several people and I'll share them here. These are the 10 things you learn when involved in a high profile project. Enjoy!

1.
Nobody wants to be that person who announces to the entire organization
that a project is underway, especially if it's a high profile project.

2. Everybody wants to be the expert, but nobody wants to be the accountable.

3. The persons with the least knowledge are the most helpful (accidentally).

4. The persons with the most knowledge are the least helpful (on purpose).

5.
The persons not working on the project are willing to provide feedback.
If they like you, the feedback will be positive, and if they don't, the
feedback will be negative.

6. While you're learning from your mistakes and growing, those least helpful are stagnating in their own lack of progress.

7.
While you're learning from your mistakes and growing, those most
helpful are bonding with a team that is grateful for their loyalty.

8. You find out who works best under pressure.

9. You find out how you work under pressure.

After writing down these nine answers, I stumbled upon a quick, closing note for answer number 10!

10. You finally realize who you need on your team and who you don't. I'll take willingness to work over knowledge any day of the week!

I'm
a lifetime learner, so I learn something new every day. Just because
someone has knowledge doesn't mean they will apply it while working on
your team. Boot that mother fucker to the curb and find you some
loyalty! :)

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